Determined To Help Others

YOUR JOB - CAREER MAKEOVER

An Occupational Therapist Phased Out Of A Job Wants To Stay In The Health Field.

October 11, 1998|By Diane Sears Campbell of The Sentinel Staff

A lot of folks wrinkle their noses when told their elderly parents need ``occupational therapy'' to help them get around.

Some people think it means training people to work in new jobs, Oviedo resident Luz Mercado said in explaining her profession. Yet it actually involves training people in physical skills they need for everyday living. For stroke victims, that could mean relearning to bathe and dress.

But Mercado, 31, is worried about relearning some things herself - skills for a career change.

Her job at a Winter Park assisted-living facility was phased out last week. She has not launched her job search yet, but she has a bad feeling about whether she'll be able to get a similar post working with the elderly.

Because of changes in Medicare, there are new limits to how much long-term care elderly people can receive, and occupational therapists who specialize in working with them are feeling the crunch, said Brynda Pappas of the American Occupational Therapy Association in Bethesda, Md.

Mercado is wondering what else she can do with the bachelor's degree in occupational therapy she earned seven years ago and the experience she has gained since.

``It's kind of scary,'' she said. ``I have always worked, ever since I graduated, and this is like, `Oops.' I kind of have no choice at this point,'' she said. ``The way the system is changing, I don't really want to stay in it.''

To help Mercado decide what to do, The Orlando Sentinel matched her with two career specialists at the University of Central Florida's Cooperative Education Department: Sheri Dressler, director of the department, and Denise Moore, a coordinator.

They determined that Mercado wants a new job right away because she has two young daughters to support. She doesn't want a job that involves travel or sales. She wants to continue in the health field, where she can help people solve problems.

Dressler and Moore made these recommendations:

- Don't rule out her chosen profession.

``We told her maybe she had given up a little too soon, and she should work more diligently on it,'' Dressler said.

Dressler recommended Mercado check with state and county governments, which might have occupational-therapist jobs but call them something else.

In addition, the Occupational Therapy Association recommends that people in the profession look at other practice areas if they can't find jobs working with the elderly, Pappas said.

Those areas include school systems, hospital-based rehabilitation, mental and home health care, and programs that treat work-related injuries such as carpal tunnel syndrome.

- Look for a job in a related field where she can use her education and skills.

Some suggestions: a vocational rehabilitation counselor, who helps people with disabilities learn skills they need for work, or a medical personnel recruiter.

Mercado realizes she might have to take a cut in pay and status if she switches professions.

Dressler and Moore reminded her that, if she starts at the bottom of a new field, she can work her way up by earning more credentials. That will mean taking classes, getting certifications and joining professional organizations.

Mercado also should check with medical temporary agencies and nursing homes to see what kinds of jobs they might have that could use her skills, Dressler said.

- Use a functional resume, which emphasizes her skills and accomplishments, instead of a traditional one, which focuses on her previous jobs and education.

A functional resume will help show potential employers that Mercado has the skills to do a job even if her experience has been in another area. She should be sure to avoid using medical jargon, Dressler said.

- Put together a ``30-second advertisement'' she can use to promote herself when she meets someone who might be able to help her with her job search.

Mercado's minispeech should be very specific, highlighting her skills and giving an idea of what kind of job she is looking for.